We asked the Pink Bubble to play a “complete this sentence” game on our Instagram Stories for two special prompts highlighting what they love most about the 3-Day and its wonderful community. Here’s what you all had to say:
I Love the 3-Day Because…
“I’ve met some incredible women.”
“I love the sense of community.”
“It honors my mom’s memory.”
“There is no negative mojo ever.”
“It’s healing.”
“I get to meet new people on the walk each year.”
“I get to see all of my friends from all over the country and spend the entire weekend with them.”
“I get to support a huge cause!”
“It’s a challenge.”
“It’s my way to prove to myself that cancer didn’t win. Plus, I get to hear and share stories with survivors.”
“It fills my soul with hope and inspiration.”
“It brought some fabulous people into my life.”
“The Pink Bubble! It’s the only place you can enter alone and leave with a whole new family!”
I Love the Pink Bubble Because…
“We are all friends working towards the same goal.”
“Almost everyone in the Pink Bubble has been through similar situations in regards to breast cancer, so we all get it.”
“The Pink Bubble is a blast!”
“It’s filled with love, fun and support.”
“It’s an amazing community of positivity, helping others, and lots of laughter and joy.”
“It’s the togetherness of a lot of wonderful people fighting to end breast cancer!”
Why do you love the 3-Day and the Pink Bubble? Tell us in the comments. ?
Nominated by fellow members of the Pink Bubble, Mary T. shares her journey with the 3-Day.
I was born the same year my mom’s mother died of breast cancer. I never met her. In 1996 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My main thought was, “How am I going to tell my mother?” Well, as the saying goes, I bit the bullet and told her. We cried together and then got on with making a plan for me to get well. Unfortunately, after my diagnosis, I lost my sister in 2001 and my mother in 2002, both to cancer. It was then that I felt it was time to do something. I saw a 3-Day commercial in 2004 and I knew this was the event for me.
I had just moved to a new neighborhood that was great for walking and thought I could do some training close to home. I went to a “Get Started” meeting and liked what I heard, so I signed up for the 2005 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day that June. Since then, I have walked every year in Dallas/Fort Worth, along with venturing out to other 3-Days with my team. We’ve gone to the Twin Cities, Chicago, New England and San Diego events.
I have friends who have benefited from the money raised by the 3-Day. Some have received treatment options funded by Komen grants and others have been provided transportation to get them to and from appointments. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Komen has also provided a mobile mammogram truck.
The Pink Bubble has become like family, and I have made many lifelong friends. With all the training and fundraising we do, how can you not! My husband always asks me how my jaw is when I come back from a training walk because he knows I’ve been talking so much!
Outside of the 3-Day, some of my interests include being outside with friends, whether it is walking and talking or camping in my pink tent. My kids and grandkids mean the world to me. But just as much as I like being outside, I love sitting on the couch watching a movie with my husband.
If you are thinking about doing the 3-Day — what’s the hold up? Come join the Pink Bubble. Can’t wait to see you!
Do you want to share your story, or nominate someone for our next Pink Bubble Story of the Month? Fill out this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PinkBubbleStory.
Traveling to the continental United States from Hawaii for each Susan G. Komen 3-Day she’s participated in, Brooke K.’s dedication to the cause cannot be denied. Having walked 11 3-Days and been a part of the 3-Day crew twice, Brooke is taking on 2023 with a personal fundraising goal higher than she’s ever had before.
How did you first hear about the 3-Day?
I first heard about the 3-Day when I lived in Fort Worth in 2014. I saw a few posters and figured 60 miles would be a fun challenge. I attended a “Get Started” meeting and signed up the next day. I was really pumped when I received my first donation of $7.00!
What is your connection to breast cancer?
My mom, Kathy, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. I was 11 at the time and my sisters were only 5 and 14. She had a mastectomy, followed by chemo. Life continued and cancer eventually became too normal in our household. Her cancer returned in her lung in 2005. She spent many years fighting but passed away in 2013. I have since met far too many friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
How many 3-Day events have you participated in?
I have participated in 13 3-Day events. I have walked in 11 events including Dallas/Fort Worth, San Diego, Twin Cities, and Seattle. I also crewed twice in Dallas/Fort Worth. I plan to participate in multiple cities in 2023!
What was your first 3-Day experience like, and how has your 3-Day experience changed over the years?
My first 3-Day was powerful. I felt comfort from people I had never met. The opportunity to share my heartbreak that year was therapeutic. I loved it so much that I signed up for two walks the following year. My boyfriend, Tim, joined me a year later and continues to walk with me now. My older sister also walked with me one year. It was a bonding moment for us as we walked in my mom’s honor.
Why do you participate in the 3-Day year after year?
As time goes on, the memories of my mom sadly keep fading. The 3-Day is a time for me to take a step back and think about her. I talk about her. I cry about her. I put on my pink for her. I participate so we can find the cures so that other people don’t have to navigate life without their mom. My mom missed some amazing moments in her daughters’ lives. She missed graduations, marriage proposals and the birth of her grandkids. If walking in the 3-Day helps prevent memories from being missed, I am all in.
What do you think the benefits of being on a team are?
I am on an amazing team called Pink Soles in Motion. Our team consists of men and women passionate about fighting cancer. We have collectively raised over $2 million! I joined the team my second year participating in the 3-Day and have made some lifelong friendships. I have benefitted from fundraising opportunities, training encouragement and support. Our team walks in all the cities the 3-Day is in, and we welcome new members. Life is better with breast friends by your side!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
2023 will mark the 10-year anniversary of my mom passing away from breast cancer. I am committed to going big this year and raising $10,000 in her honor. If you are thinking about not walking this year, we need you. If you haven’t walked before, I’ll help you. We must find the cures! This quote sums up what this cause means to me: “My mom taught me everything…except how to live without her.”
